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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some fun facts on the Library, the Library 3.0 Campaign, and the future!

Focus on: FAMILY

In 2011, 810,115 items were checked out from The Cedar Rapids Public Library. This is a 15% increase from 2010.

Focus on: NUMBERS

If our 1985 library building was built today, it would cost approximately $25 million. Construction of the new library has been estimated to cost $25.7 million and that includes an additional 10,000 square feet of space.

Focus on: FUTURE

The Cedar Rapids Public Library and Metro Library Network (including the Hiawatha and Marion Libraries) have a collection of 7000 ebooks and downloadable audiobooks. Approximately 20,000 of these digital titles were checked out in 2011, an incredible 500% increase over 2010 figures.

Focus on: CHILDREN

Our new Cedar Rapids Public Library will include a children’s library that is nearly double the size of the previous one.

Focus on: ENVIRONMENT

The new Cedar Rapids Public Library will achieve the highest Leadership in Eneergy and Economic Design (LEED) rating of Platinum with green construction techniques equating to an annual energy savings of $200,000.

Focus on: EFFICIENCY

Models suggest that the new library will require only 30% of the annual energy costs required by the flooded facility.

Focus on: COMMUNITY

The Library Board of Trustees is committed to maintaining a significant presence on the west-side even after the new library opens downtown.

Focus on: FUNDRAISING

The Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation’s Library 3.0 capital campaign has a minimum fundraising goal of $8 million. To date, they have raised $6.7 million toward that goal.

Focus on: EVERYONE

62% of Americans have a library card. The average American checks out 7 books each year.

Focus on: FUN

The new Cedar Rapids Public Library will have a 200 seat auditorium facing Greene Square Park.

Focus on: GATHERING

The community will be able to reserve the 200-seat auditorium and all meeting spaces in the new Cedar Rapids Public Library at no charge during regular business hours.

Focus on: FUTURE

The green roof on the new Cedar Rapids Public Library will function as programming space and will extend the life of the roof by about 20 years .

Focus on: TECHNOLOGY

The new Cedar Rapids Public Library will have over 100 public access computer stations.

Focus on: COLLABORATION

Grant Wood AEA, the Parent Education Consortium and HACAP will house bachelor’s and master’s level staff in the new Cedar Rapids Public Library. Additionally, other community partners in key early childhood education will base key services and offer shared programming at this one convenient, centrally located destination downtown.